Planning ahead is essential when applying for financial aid. The entire financial aid process can take up to eight weeks. It is important for you to get started as soon as possible after January 1 to ensure you receive your award in time to pay tuition and fees. That’s why the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid is here to help. We know the financial aid process can be confusing. Our financial aid advisors are available to answer your questions on a walk-in basis or by appointment. To schedule an appointment stop by 120 Welcome Center. You may also contact our customer service hotline at 713-743-1010 for assistance with any financial aid questions.
Before You Apply
To be eligible for Federal Financial Aid you need to:
- have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate
- be a U.S. citizen, or an eligible noncitizen
- be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program
- have a valid Social Security Number
- be registered with the Selective Service, if required
- maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- not be in default of any federal funds
Once you have determined that you are eligible, you are ready to begin the six steps to financial aid.
Steps for Federal Applicants
- STEP 1 - Apply for Your Federal Personal Identification Number (PIN)
- The federal PIN allows you to sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically. Parents of dependent students must obtain a PIN as well, so that they too can sign the FAFSA online. If you are a continuing student, you may use your PIN to access your FAFSA Renewal on the Web. Visit www.pin.ed.gov to obtain your Federal PIN.
- STEP 2 - Complete Your FAFSA
- To apply for financial aid, you MUST complete a FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You should complete the application as early as possible, after January 1 and prior to March You MUST have the FAFSA and all required documents submitted by the priority deadline of April 1 to receive the maximum consideration for limited financial aid resources. The University of Houston’s Federal School Code is 003652.
- STEP 3 - Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)
- You will be notified by the Department of Education via e-mail with-in 3-5 days that your Student Aid Report (SAR) is ready for review and has been forwarded to the school of your choice. If your SAR has errors, correct them online using your Federal PIN.
- STEP 4 - Complete Your File
- While processing your FAFSA, additional application requirements may be requested to complete your file. You will be notified via email that your file is incomplete. Monitor your status online at myUH (PeopleSoft) . The priority deadline to submit all documents is April 1.
FAQ: What additional application requirements might be requested?
Once your FAFSA is submitted, your information will be verified by a series of federally mandated data matched (Social Security Number, date of birth, name, Selective Service status, citizenship status, and default status. You may also be selected for the verification process by the U.S. Department of Education, which is a random quality- control method used to check the accuracy of information submitted on the FAFSA.
- STEP 5 - Check Your Status
- In order to be eligible for federal funding, you MUST be a fully admitted degree-seeking student. Check your status online at my.uh.edu.
- STEP 6 - Accept Your Awards
- We will notify you via e-mail when you have been awarded financial aid. Accept or decline your financial aid award(s) at my.uh.edu.
University of Houston strives to make the Financial Aid process as straightforward as possible, but some students have unique situations that they need help with. Browse this list of links to learn more about the financial aid application process. If you still have questions, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Special Circumstances
Determining Your Financial Need
Disbursement of Aid
Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility
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